I first came across David Oakes (‘Truth or Die’) when he played the dastardly murderer William Hamleigh in the adaptation of Ken Follett’s novel of the same title ‘The Pillars of The Earth’.

David Oakes by Nick Dorey for Mr. Porter Magazine

A brilliant Canadian/German co-production with a magnificent ensemble, some well known, others not as much, David being one of them. While reading the book, I found my hatred towards William Hamleigh growing to unprecedented proportions, hence I was very interested to see how the soft spoken, articulate and very lovely Brit would manage to pull that role off. Well, let us say he did not disappoint.

Rowan David Oakes started his career at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, following training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and studying English Literature at Manchester University, from which he received a degree in English and Drama. He has participated in several stage performances and continues to do so.

David Oakes as William Hamleigh in
‘The Pillars of The Earth’ (Starz)

David seems to enjoy playing the baddie, since his most notable role, aside from Hamleigh, is Juan Borgia in the Showtime miniseries ‘The Borgias’, also starring Jeremy Irons and Francois Arnaud. He also played the psychopath Justin, in the horror film ‘Truth or Die’ in 2012. Do you see the theme?

One of the most interesting things about this young actor is that he is not only handsome, but very articulate and multifaceted. Aside from his acting, he is a brilliant sketcher and photographer, as well as being an avid music lover with a very eclectic taste, which he shares often with those of us who follow him on Twitter.

David’s sketch of William Hamleigh on his horse Smart (David Oakes)

What makes him very attractive to fans, in my opinion, is his easy ways, as he not only interacts with his followers on Twitter, but has been kind enough to accept invitations from The Borgias Wiki website, a fan site created for fans to discuss the miniseries.

David Oakes as Juan Borgia in Season 2 of ‘The Borgias’

I have been fortunate enough to be in the chat room on both occasions and can attest to his kindness and graciousness. The first time he informed us he did not have much time, but stayed for longer than he had originally stated and the second time he spent an even greater amount of time with us. Both visits saw a great number of fans joining in the chat and David patiently answering as many questions as he was able, mine included. Not many actors do this sort of thing and I am sure he has fans for life because of it.

Currently David is on location in Belgium filming the BBC adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s novel ‘The White Queen’ in which he plays George, Duke of Clarence. David will be playing opposite Aneurin Barnard and Max Irons as Richard and Edward respectively, as well as Eleanor Tomlinson as George’s betrothed, Isabel Neville.

‘The White Queen’ (Shared by David on Twitter)

This is one actor to keep your eye on, his talent promises to keep him around for a long time to come and his lovely personality makes it easy to get interested in him. Now if he could only play a role in which he doesn’t end up getting killed…rom-com? Just look at him.